Hanover to hold Drug Take Back Day April 27

Tuesday

Apr 16, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 16, 2013 at 4:12 PM

Once again, residents of Hanover and surrounding towns have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription and over the counter medications. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, in cooperation with the Hanover Board of Health and the Hanover Police Department, will participate in the nationwide drug take back day and will provide receptacles at the Hanover Senior Center at 665 Center St., Hanover, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 27.

Once again, residents of Hanover and surrounding towns have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription and over the counter medications. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, in cooperation with the Hanover Board of Health and the Hanover Police Department, will participate in the nationwide drug take back day and will provide receptacles at the Hanover Senior Center at 665 Center St., Hanover, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 27.

Residents are encouraged to identify expired, discontinued or unwanted medications prior to April 27. Bringing these medications for disposal can help prevent septic problems, illegal diversion or accidental ingestion:

1. Improperly discarded medications can end up in unintended hands.
2. Flushed medications end up in ground water supply via septic systems.
3. Medications thrown in the transfer station pit can leak into landfills.
4. Unused medications kept in cabinets may be accidentally ingested.
5. Expired medications can cause adverse reactions or toxic chemical formation.

The Environmental Protection Agency and other environmental groups warn against contamination of water supplies and septic systems. Antibiotics may reduce beneficial flora and promote unhealthy organisms. Medications that are ordinarily changed by the body to harmless states may have a serious impact when discarded unchanged. It is safest to seek routes of disposal that protect resources. Keeping unused drugs out of circulation is also an excellent way to protect the environment by following these suggestions:

1. Buy over-the-counter drugs and supplements in sensible quantities.
2. Buy new products in a smaller size before buying larger stock if tolerated.
3. Ask providers to provide samples or 30-day prescriptions before filling a 90-day prescription.
4. If one has a reaction to a medication, notify the provider immediately in time to stop unwanted refills.
5. Take all antibiotics completely as directed.
6. Keep controlled substance stock minimal to avoid drug diversion.
7. Keep medications safely stored according to pharmacy directions and only carry enough medication for immediate needs.

With everyone’s help, drug diversion and environmental contamination can be reduced if not eliminated.